Turner International cuts 30% of staff

Turner Broadcasting is to axe 30 per cent of its staff – around 250 jobs – across its international operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Gerhard Zeiler, president of Turner Broadcasting System International, said the cuts were tough but “absolutely necessary” for the company’s future.

The company employs around 700 people in the UK. Zeiler said: “This review required us taking some tough decisions… Greater empowerment and broader accountability for local management will lead to simplified processes throughout the organisation, improved efficiency and reduced costs.”

The restructure follows a review across the region announced in September last year. Turner said the changes were intended to give “more operating power and accountability within the regions, as opposed to large central functions”.

The company said the proposals were currently the subject of a 90-day consultation with staff.

TBS International, a subsidiary of Time Warner, broadcasts channels including Cartoon Network, TNT and Turner Classic Movies, a total of 17 branded channels via 53 feeds in more than 100 territories in the region. Turner news channel CNN International will not be affected.